Volunteers are running at high RPMs in advance of this weekend’s RetroFest.
Craig Lane, co-chair for the 25th anniversary of the event, said everything is now in place.
“It’s been busy. I think everything is ready to go,” he said. “The car club is ready for their portion of the event. We’ve got the music lined up in the park for Friday and Saturday night.”
RetroFest annually draws thousands to downtown Chatham to take in the hundreds of classic cars that will be on display on Saturday throughout Chatham’s core, and families flock to the park for kids activities. Adults return to enjoy live music and a beverage tent.
Organizers have tapped the gas pedal this year, adding a couple of key events.
One is the Saturday night fireworks, sponsored by RM. Those are expected to light up the night sky between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The following evening, Tecumseh Park plays host to a movie night. On screen will be the classic “Grease.”
What’s a car show without awards? They take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, but they also feature dessert.
“For the 25th anniversary of RetroFest, we’ll have cake in the park. Maple City (Bakery) has made us a huge cake,” Lane said. “It’s free for everyone while supplies last.”
Everything starts Friday late afternoon. Tecumseh Park opens at 3 p.m. with vendors, food trucks, the Kids’ Zone and then live music.
Lane said the entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs until 11 p.m.
Meanwhile, over in the parking lot at 100 King, car enthusiasts will congregate for a Parking Lot Party. Lane said that runs between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
“Courtney Wells will be spinning some tunes as a DJ there,” Lane said.
Several food vendors will also be on hand.
One thing that may catch people off guard this year is the fact there’s a $2 fee for people over the age of 12 to enter the park Friday evening and on Saturday.
“Because we had to increase security, the park will be fenced off and there is a $2 entry fee,” Lane said. “Kids under 12 are free.”
There is no fee Sunday, however, for the movie night.
“Bring your popcorn, bring your pop and your lawn chairs,” Lane said.
As for the people proud to show off their labours of love – the vehicles – registration on Saturday morning begins at 7 a.m. Lane said organizers know the initial lines will be long, so people can come into the downtown, take their parking spot and walk down to the registration area to register.
RetroFest is anticipated to draw about 30,000 people to downtown Chatham over the weekend.
“People bring their cars; others come to see them,” Lane said. “There will be participants in the show coming from Michigan and possibly even New York. That shows how diverse it (RetroFest) is and how respected it is.”
Saturday also delivers the Miss RetroFest Pageant in the park, as well as a soap box derby just outside of it.
The Junior Judges return for another year, as children rate the vehicles, sponsored by JMHI.
The insurance firm is also sponsoring a Kids’ Colouring Contest.
If you see 50/50 ticket sales folks throughout the weekend, know that they’re with R.O.C.K. (Reach Out Chatham-Kent). The draw will take place May 31.
